Crisafulli defends council de-merger snub

Queensland Local Government Minister David Crisafulli says he had sound reasons for rejecting a push to de-amalgamate the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in the state's far north.

Mr Crisafulli yesterday referred five proposals for council break-ups to the boundaries commissioner but did not include a bid to reform the Cardwell Shire.

He says he was not convinced two financially viable councils could be established but acknowledged some residents have outstanding issues that need to be resolved.

"They feel that when they had their own council it was more responsive, that they were able to pick up the phone and ring their local alderman and get some action," he said.

"Well, let's get back to a system of government that works like that.

"I don't deny that it's more difficult. I don't deny that there is still strong feeling but I also believe that if we actually work on this and if we empower the councillors again that we can get the result that we need."